I'm moving to Japan at the end of August to teach English as an ALT through Interac. My Certificate of Eligibility(CoE) application, which is needed to obtain a work visa has just been lodged(using all my current info), and most of the other documentation has already been submitted.
I very recently began my transition (MTF) and just started HRT. Right now, I still present quite masculine, so I was planning to delay changing my name and gender legally until I feel more comfortable presenting as female in public.
However, I’ve read that many people recommend making those legal changes before moving to Japan, which I totally understand is the best option if you have the time and haven't already submitted all the documentation/details I have to the company I'll be working for.
- Change my name and gender legally now, but this would mean informing Interac. I'm worried it could put my position at risk since everything has already been submitted with my old details. The CoE needs to lodged now so that I can arrive on time, and I assume changing my gender and name would mean having to wait for the new documents to come back to me, before re-submitting them to Interac where they can then relodge the CoE application.
- Move with my current name and gender and go stealth at work. This might be easier at first, but I worry it could cause issues as my appearance becomes more feminine. Also, If I do go stealth, will living visibly as a woman outside of school in a rural area be a problem? Would Interac or the community care?
Has anyone been through something similar? What would you recommend? Would appreciate any advice and opinions.
by SanteriaX13